Magnus Carlsen vs Boris Gelfand, 6th Tal Memorial 2011
Slav Defense (D12) · 1-0 (Magnus Carlsen won) · 38 moves · Round 2 · 17 November 2011
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackBoris Gelfand
- Result1-0 · Magnus Carlsen won
- Event6th Tal Memorial 2011
- Round2
- Date17 November 2011
- OpeningSlav Defense (D12)
- Length38 moves
- Type of eventClassical
This is game 27 of 45 between Magnus Carlsen and Boris Gelfand in the Rama Chess database (2005–2022). In all their games Carlsen leads 19–5 with 21 draws.
Previous game: Carlsen vs Gelfand, 0-1 (20th Amber Blindfold, 2011).
Next game: Carlsen vs Gelfand, 1-0 (74th Tata Steel GMA, 2012).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Boris Gelfand, 6th Tal Memorial 2011
Magnus Carlsen and Boris Gelfand met over the board in this middlegame battle at 6th Tal Memorial in 2011. It was played in round 2. The game dates from the modern computer-influenced era.
From Slav Defense (D12) the players entered a fight over the centre. Here the struggle often turns on the central pawns and minor-piece play.
Lasting 38 moves, the game was settled in the middlegame, where piece activity, pawn breaks and king safety all collide.
Magnus Carlsen is one of the grandmasters featured in the RamaChess archive, where you can browse their complete game collection, favourite openings and notable wins.
Working through a full game like this trains pattern recognition — the more you study, the faster you spot familiar ideas in your own play.
In the end, Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces. Step through the moves on the interactive board above and try the position trainer to sharpen your own play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head record of Magnus Carlsen and Boris Gelfand?
In the 45 games between them in our database (2005 to 2022) Carlsen leads 19–5 with 21 draws. This game is number 27 of 45.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Boris Gelfand played?
At the 6th Tal Memorial, round 2, on 17 November 2011.
Who played this game?
This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Boris Gelfand (Black), at 6th Tal Memorial in 2011.
What opening was played?
The game used Slav Defense (ECO code D12). A fight over the centre.
What was the result?
Magnus Carlsen won with the white pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 38 moves (75 plies).
Can I replay this game move by move?
Yes. Use the interactive board on this page to step through every move, or open the analyser and Practice mode.
Where can I find more games like this?
Browse the full Slav Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.